Prime Video has announced the commissioning of a new Australian series, Top End Bub. The series is set to charm audiences with its heartfelt narrative and continuation of the beloved story introduced in the 2019 blockbuster Top End Wedding.
The series, consisting of eight parts, marks a significant addition to Prime Video’s International Originals, starting production in May 2024. It will spotlight the return of Miranda Tapsell and Gwilym Lee as Lauren and Ned, respectively, characters who first captured the hearts of audiences in Top End Wedding.
Set against the picturesque backdrops of The Northern Territory and Adelaide, Top End Bub promises a blend of romantic comedy with the unique charm and culture of Australia.
his announcement is made in collaboration with Goalpost Pictures, ZDF Studios, Screen Australia, Screen Territory, and the South Australian Film Corporation.
In Top End Bub, viewers are reintroduced to Lauren, an ambitious Indigenous lawyer living in Adelaide, and her equally charming husband, Ned, who perfects the art of baking fresh croissants. The narrative takes a turn when the couple, upon the sudden orphaning of Lauren’s eight-year-old niece, decide to move to the Top End.
This decision propels them into a life of unexpected parenting, testing their marriage and forcing Lauren to navigate her cultural responsibilities and personal growth amidst the vibrant landscapes of the Outback meets the tropics.
Created and executive produced by Joshua Tyler and Miranda Tapsell, the minds behind the original film, the series is a testament to their creative prowess and deep connection to the story’s setting and characters. The production is helmed by Goalpost Pictures, with international distribution managed by ZDF Studios.
“Prime Video are proud to be bringing back the beloved, hilarious and heart-warming characters of Top End Wedding with the television spin off Top End Bub for Prime members in Australia and New Zealand”,
expressed Sarah Christie, senior development executive at Amazon MGM Studios.
“Miranda Tapsell and Joshua Tyler have created a series that speaks straight to the heart, and celebrates the messiness and beauty of family, love and community. We are thrilled to be working with them, along with producers Goalpost Pictures and directors Christian van Vuurren and Shari Sebbens in capturing the stunning and uniquely Australian world of the Top End”.
Miranda Tapsell shared her excitement, stating:
“Words can’t describe how excited I am to bring Lauren, Ned and the Top End back to your screens! We all love a happy ending but, what happens after happily ever after? We can’t wait for you to find out!”
Joshua Tyler also conveyed his enthusiasm:
“It has been fun to dive back into the world of Top End Wedding, a world that means so much to us and to our audience. A romantic setting full of funny characters who face heartbreaking challenges in heart-warming ways. I am thrilled to be collaborating with such an incredible team.”
Grainne Brunsdon, Chief Operating Officer of Screen Australia, praised the series:
“Top End Bub is going to be a truly special show, full of wit, warmth, resilience and above all love. We are absolutely delighted to support this beautiful story crafted by Miranda, Joshua and the Goalpost Pictures team, which will undoubtedly recapture the magic that took Top End Wedding to global success.”
Yi Qiao, Director Drama at ZDF Studios, highlighted the series’ appeal:
“Top End Bub is an absolutely charming addition to our slate. Viewers will enjoy the sharp and funny observations of two city slickers woefully adjusting to life in the Outback, surrounded by Lauren’s vast family and a host of colourful characters.”
The series will see Rosemary Blight of Goalpost Pictures taking on the role of Executive Producer, with Christiaan Van Vuurren and Shari Sebbens directing.
Since 2019, Prime Video has been an active supporter of Australian creativity, commissioning 29 Australian Original series and features, such as The Test S1-3, Making Their Mark, LOL: Last One Laughing Australia with Rebel Wilson, and Back to the Rafters, among others.
Top End Bub will be accessible to Prime members, who can enjoy the series anytime and anywhere via the Prime Video app across various devices. With the availability of offline viewing at no additional cost, and a subscription priced at just AU$9.99/month, Prime Video continues to offer a rich catalogue of content. New customers are encouraged to visit www.primevideo.com to subscribe to a free 30-day trial and embark on a journey of discovery with Top End Bub and many other captivating series and films.
